Traditional New Year paintings in focus at new exhibition

A selection of antique nianhua paintings and works by modern-day artisans from the two areas are on show at Beijing's Prince Kung's Mansion (Gong Wang Fu), through March 9. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

When it comes to China's traditional New Year paintings, nianhua, many think of exquisite pieces produced by studios in the historic town of Yangliuqing in Tianjin, or the Taohuawu area in Suzhou in Jiangsu province.

But the country boasts a wide variety of nianhua.

For instance, the Longhui county in Hunan province and Zhangzhou in Fujian province were both once involved in nianhua production.

A selection of antique nianhua paintings and works by modern-day artisans from the two areas are on show at Beijing's Prince Kung's Mansion (Gong Wang Fu), through March 9.

The exhibition is the mansion's first show of the year to celebrate traditional arts and crafts. The mansion is designated a display and preservation center for national intangible cultural heritage.

The exhibition invites the audience to ponder over how this rich tradition can be revived in a modern context.